Panther hoops teams win doubleheader in Cannon Falls

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CANNON FALLS, Minn. - The Ellsworth High School boys and girls basketball teams were double winners Friday in non-conference action against Cannon Falls.

Trailing Cannon Falls 12-10 at halftime, the Ellsworth girls needed something to go right.

In the second half, the Panthers were able to move the ball effectively and were able to claw their way back for a 33-26 victory Friday in Cannon Falls.

"It was kind of a team effort," said Ellsworth head coach John Kleppe, who picked up his first win Friday. "We started to work and get some open looks. We had good ball movement."

Kelsey Betthauser came up with a team-high 12 points to lead the Panthers, who return to action Tuesday against Barron.

After the girls game came the boys and there Alex Campbell returned for Ellsworth and his presence helped the Panthers grab a 55-47 victory.

The score was tied 26-26 at halftime, but the Bombers’ shooting woes were too much to overcome in the second half. Cannon Falls finished its season opener shooting 20-for-66 from the field, including 4-of-24 from the three-point line and just 3-of-15 from the free-throw line.

Chrystian Kulow finished with a game-high 17 points to lead Ellsworth (2-2, 0-1 Middle Border), and Campbell tallied a double-double in his first game back from knee surgery, scoring 13 points and pulling down 10 rebounds.

Tanner Jackson led the Bombers (0-1) with 14 points and also had four rebounds. Jordan Lundell added nine points in the loss.

The Panthers’ next game is Tuesday in Lake City. Both Ellsworth teams will play another doubleheader game next weekend in Amery.

Tags: prep boys basketball, prep girls basketball, sports, prep, ellsworth